Additionally, Alabama has some unanswered questions at quarterback since head coach Nick Saban has yet to announce whether Jalen Hurts or Tua Tagovailoa will be his starter in 2018.

Hurts started each of the past two seasons to great success, but Tagovailoa replaced him during the CFP title game and was the primary reason why 'Bama managed to come back and win.

After coming agonizingly close to winning it all last season, the Bulldogs and head coach Kirby Smart will begin 2018 as the No. 4team in the Amway Coaches Poll.

Like Alabama, Georgia will have a much different roster in 2018 due to the sheer amount of talent that left for the NFL. Among the departed players are linebacker Roquan Smith, offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn and running backs Sony Michel and Nick Chubb.

Perhaps the biggest key to Georgia's success in 2018 will be the play of sophomore quarterback Jake Fromm.

Fromm threw for 2,615 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season as a freshman. If he can take another step in his development, Georgia will again be a force with which to be reckoned during the upcoming season.

Other potential national title contenders include the Clemson Tigers, who will open the season ranked second.

Clemson has reached the CFP in each of the past three seasons, and it will benefit from a group of experienced returning starters on defense, including defensive ends Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.

Although quarterback J.T. Barrett graduated, Ohio State comes in at No. 3,with Dwayne Haskins ready to take the reins under center.

Perhaps the biggest key to the Buckeyes' success in 2018 will be sophomore running back J.K. Dobbins, who rushed for over 1,400 yards last season.

The 2018 college football season will officially open on Aug. 25, and No. 1 Alabama will kick off its schedule against Louisville on Sept. 1.